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Legislature 2002
Friday, March 15, 2002
Swooners at Capitol prove Ohno-mania still burns hot
GAIL WOOD, THE OLYMPIAN Originally published Friday, March 15, 2002
OLYMPIA -- Another handshake. Another photo. Another autograph.
Apolo Anton Ohno, with the now famous face, took it all graciously and in stride Thursday. The Olympic gold medal winner in short-track speed skating was recognized at the Capitol by the governor, senators and an adoring following of teen-age girls.
"Do you have a girlfriend?" one young teen asked during a brief question-and-answer session in the Governor's Office.
He doesn't.
Many of Ohno's army wore fake soul patches, the narrow goatee he sports on his chin. Women, girls and even Gov. Gary Locke donned the tiny chin beard made famous by Ohno. Bob Oke, the bald senator from Gig Harbor, wore his on the top of his head.
"You gave us all a thrill," Oke said to Ohno, who sat in the seat usually reserved for foreign dignitaries.
The crowded Senate exploded with applause.
"We're so pleased that Ohno mania meets the city of political mania," Locke said.
Ohno, who was featured on a Sports Illustrated cover last month and recently signed a contract with Nike, is the newest media darling. Once a rebellious adolescent, he has become an elite athlete, completing a whirlwind of TV shows, appearing on "The Tonight Show," "The Today Show," "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" and "Rosie O'Donnell."
He'll be in Seattle today for another welcome home celebration. He'll be in Philadelphia and Atlanta in the next few days, leaving little time for training for his next race March 26.
"I've trained twice since the Olympics," said Ohno, 19, single and soon to be rich. "Everything has been so crazy."
Having a famous face does have its drawbacks. He doesn't dare go to a mall, restaurant or theater.
"Maybe if I wore a hat," Ohno said, flashing a grin.
"Salt Lake was crazy. Pretty much anywhere I go is crazy. But I don't think all the attention has changed me. I'm pretty much the same person."
Ohno posed for photos and signed autographs everywhere he went Thursday, stopping briefly to sign one for Olympia resident Marilyn Ham-Key before entering the Governor's Office.
"Oh, my grandson will love me forever," said an elated Ham-Key while admiring Ohno's autograph. "He simply loves you. He thinks you're a god."
Ham-Key was also wearing a fake soul patch on her chin.
Accompanying Ohno was his father, Yuki Ohno, a single parent who saw the talent in his son at an early age.
"When he was 3, you could already see his athleticism," said Yuki, who coached his son until he was 14. "His athleticism was obvious."
Ohno, an only child, grew up in Federal Way. His mother left when he was 1 and his father worked in a Seattle salon. A one-time latchkey kid, Ohno found his niche in sports, going to the Olympic Center in Colorado at age 14.
He emerged from the Salt Lake Olympics as the dominant personality, winning gold and silver medals.
"He's definitely identified," his father said. "He can't go anyplace now."
Although he hasn't worked out lately, Ohno said he plans on competing in the 2006 Olympics.
"I think this is only the beginning," Ohno said. "This is chapter one."
But on Thursday, officials from the state of Washington honored him for what he's already achieved.
"We're so proud of you," Locke told Ohno in a roomful of Ohno fans. "You were amazing how you dealt with adversity. You truly embodied the Olympic spirit. You were gracious in defeat as well as in victory."
And while signing autograph after autograph Thursday.
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